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Monthly Archives: October 2013

Scariest Interview Ever

By leidson on Wednesday, October 30, 2013

If you think any of your previous job interviews were scary or nerve-wracking, wait until you see what applicants went through during an interview with LG Electronics. To promote just how life-like images appear on the 82-inch ‘Ultra HD’ TV, LG created a fake office that had a TV positioned to look like a window. Through this “window” applicants could view the skyline outside. As the interview proceeded, applicants saw the sky change from blue to black as a meteor fell from the sky and the city suddenly exploded. The reactions from the candidates were hilarious.

This “scary” interview has now become a TV advertisement sensation for LG, check it out here.

New Job Tips Uncategorized

3 Things to Know About Facebook Graph Search

By leidson on Monday, October 28, 2013

The Facebook Graph Search helps people explore Facebook in a whole new way. In the past, Facebook has been about staying in touch and communicating with people you know. Now it’s a helpful tool for finding people you should know, people you have common interests with, and people you could possibly work for in the future. Graph Search allows people to search for posts, pictures, interests, locations, and activities. Whether you’re posting about what you did last summer, where you had lunch today, or updating your most recent work experience, people can see it. For more information on how Graph Search works and ways to change your privacy settings, visit Facebook search privacy.

A New Way to Network
Not only is Facebook a great way to stay connected, with this new feature, it’s also a great way to network. Keep your profile up-to-date, and if you choose to upload pictures, make sure they’re professional looking. Social media networks like Facebook can help recruiters determine if you’ll be a good fit or not. So instead of just sharing your life story, make sure to share your work history. You never know when potential employers will notice you.

Facebook = Digital Resume
Consider your Facebook a digital resume and keep it clean. Keep your profile up-to-date with your job status and work history, and also keep that information public so employers can search and find you. If this news seems like Facebook is allowing too much, don’t worry. Recruiters can only see the information that each user marks as public.

You Can Control Who Sees Your Profile and Information
In the “About” section on your Facebook profile, you can change your basic information like you would on your resume. You can also manage your “activity log” including photos and status updates you’ve shared. For more information on privacy settings, visit Facebook search privacy.

For more ways to proactively use your Facebook for job searching, check this out.

Do you think your profile page provides valuable insight to a recruiter? Share with us in the comment section below.

At Work Uncategorized Work/Life Balance

Your Job: Purpose Vs. Pay

By leidson on Friday, October 25, 2013

According to the 2013 Work Stress Survey, 83% of Americans reported being stressed about at least one thing at work, with the number one factor being low pay. With workplace stress on the rise, have you asked yourself – “am I working for the pay or the purpose?”

Working for Pay
Payscale, a research provider on salary and career topics, dove into how meaningful people found their work versus what they get paid. The highest paying and most meaningful rated job is a dermatologist. But what about those jobs that have high pay with low meaning? Business Insider released a summary of the Payscale report focusing on jobs that pay well, but aren’t changing the world. That list included job titles for senior and corporate counsel, fashion designer, credit/collections director, and network architect. This list proves that high pay doesn’t always lead to high job satisfaction.

If pay is the most common factor in workplace stress, can workplace stress be alleviated just with higher pay? The highest earners in the Work Stress Survey cited their number one work stress was unreasonable workload. But if your work was doing something you truly love and find purpose in, more work might really just be more fun, right? It’s something to think about.

Working for Purpose
What about jobs with low pay but high satisfaction? Topping that list are sign language interpreter, worship coordinator, two jobs in the water treatment field – plant operator and plant laboratory technician, and soldier. This article also clarifies that high meaning doesn’t necessarily correlate with job satisfaction. Meaningful and fulfilling work can be hard, but is there a payout in knowing your work is creating a better world?

Another reason people may turn to careers of purpose is to have work that creates something. Generations ago, work resulted in a product, whether it was manufacturing or farming, you could actually see and touch your end product. A recent article in Parade stated that Etsy’s (an online craft marketplace) one million sellers will have sales of more than $1 billion this year. Individuals have turned to crafting as a relaxing hobby and have also found a way to make money off it.

The Balance
Finding the perfect balance of pay and purpose might be the definition of a dream job. Simply, what is your goal in finding employment? Your career goal may center on purpose if you are at a point in your life where financial responsibilities are lower. On the other side, if financial responsibilities are your driving motivation, it’s probably more important how much your paycheck is – not necessarily what you did to earn it.

For some individuals, a career of purpose is being noted as a career built for the second act of their business life. The Halftime organization “helps individuals find their passion to help lead a more significant second half,” as explored last month in a story on CBS DFW.

What about you? Are you trying to find your passion early in your career or are you working for a paycheck now with hope that at some point you can chart a new course? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

Career Options New Job Tips The Job Search Uncategorized

How to Re-enter the Workforce

By leidson on Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Many people are facing the challenge of trying to get back in the workforce. With the unemployment rate lower than it’s been since the recession, families are looking for ways to gain a much needed paycheck. President and CEO of The LaSalle Network, Tom Gimbel, shared tips with Fox Business News on how stay-at-home parents and people who have been without a job for a while can transition back into the workforce.

Be Honest About Resume Gaps
People may try to make up for their insecurities after being a stay-at-home parent by embellishing their resume. Some might exaggerate the time spent at a previous job or add false information, but what these people may not know is how easy it is for employers to verify those sources and references. It’s very important to be open and honest while writing your resume.

Use Family Connections
A family member could be very helpful in networking. There are many parents at your children’s school who may know of job leads or have a network that could potentially help you find one. Don’t hesitate to communicate your need for employment with family members. You may be one conversation away from a new job!

Be Open About Career Exploration
During your job search, remember the skills you have may not be as applicable in today’s economy as they were years ago. Be open to jobs that come your way even if it’s not in the same industry as your previous position. Being open to career exploration is about expanding your abilities and knowledge.

Lose Your Ego
Be aware that technology is always changing and if you’ve been out of work for more than a couple years, you may not have the technology savvy that many other people have. Maybe you aren’t going to earn what you think you’re worth right off the bat and may have to take a pay cut just to get started again, but don’t give up, be persistent. Gimbel said in his interview with Fox Business News, “You may have to take a step back to take five steps forward.”

For more information and tips on how to re-enter the workforce, check out this video.

At Work The Daily Grind Uncategorized

4 Ways to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries

By leidson on Monday, October 21, 2013

Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are the leading cause of disability in America. One in two adults report a musculoskeletal condition requiring medical attention. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) accounts for 43% of all lost-time claims, 43% of all lost-time claim costs, and 46% of all lost-time days. Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders can affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most work-related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees’ working environment. Musculoskeletal health is dependent on strength and flexibility, but it’s also dependent on overall good health. So, how can you make a difference and turn these statistics around? Here are four ways to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Stay Active
The musculoskeletal system, like every system in our body, benefits from a healthy lifestyle. A well-conditioned body, good nutrition, and healthy habits help strengthen the immune system. Being active helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels which also help fight off MSD. Stretching regularly is another good habit to pick up. Stretching keeps your muscles, tendons, and ligaments flexible.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Our muscles need vitamins, minerals, water, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats so they can function at their best. Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important for keeping your body aligned. A lack of alignment can cause undue stress on discs, bones, ligaments, and tendons, which can lead to MSD. Your muscles are made up of around 70 percent water, so make sure you drink at least eight tall glasses of water a day to stay well hydrated.

Maintain Good Posture
Good posture reduces the amount of strain on individual muscles groups and helps keep muscles toned. Any posture that requires the body to move out of the neutral posture range is considered to be awkward posture and can be harmful to your musculoskeletal system. Keep your work within 14 to 18 inches of your body, depending on your height. Also, avoid reaching overhead or behind your back, if you can. If you can’t, return to neutral as soon as possible. Your current posture could be overworking your body. With a little adjustment, however, you can correct most posture problems.

Get Sleep
Adequate sleep protects the immune system, repairs cells, and makes us feel better. Sleep is beneficial to our bodies, but did you know it can improve skeletal health? During sleep our bodies have the chance to repair and build new tissue which can strengthen our musculoskeletal systems.

Be aware of the MSD risks in your workplace and do your part to make a difference in the statistics. How are you working to change the MSD statistics? Share with us in the comment section below.

Career Advancement Career Options The Job Search

Holiday Jobs – Could Lead to Full-Time Work

By leidson on Thursday, October 17, 2013

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, is going on a hiring binge according to USAToday. The electronic-commerce pioneer is planning to add more than 70,000 full-time seasonal U.S. jobs. The positions will be located within Amazon’s fulfillment centers for the holidays and are intended to meet increased seasonal retail demand.
“So far this year, we have converted more than 7,000 temporary employees in the U.S. into full-time, regular roles and we’re looking forward to converting thousands more after this holiday season,” said Dave Clark, Amazon’s vice-president.

Helpful Holiday Job Hints
When looking for employment, some people favor waiting for a full-time job versus taking a temporary role. However, what many people don’t realize is that most temporary and seasonal positions offer a chance at full-time employment and much more.

Not only can temporary jobs provide you with extra money during the holiday season, they also give you the opportunity to quick start your career and the chance to make additional professional connections. Holiday jobs also have the potential to help with seasonal expenses. Is applying for a holiday job part of your plan to handle holiday expenses? Answer us in our poll: How Do You Plan To Handle Holiday Expenses?

At Work Uncategorized

What to Do When You Don’t Like Your Boss

By leidson on Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Today is Boss’ day, and employees everywhere are finding little ways to show their boss how much they appreciate their guidance and leadership.

How it All Started

According to Wikipedia, Boss’ day was started by an employee named Patricia Haroski who happened to work for her father in Deerfield, Illinois. On his birthday, Oct. 16, she wanted to celebrate her dad/boss and let him know how much she appreciated him so in 1958, she registered “National Boss’s Day” with the U.S.Chamber of Commerce and four years later it became an official holiday that is recognized on Oct. 16 every year in the U.S. and Canada.
Patricia’s effort surely made her dad proud, but for some of us Boss’ day can feel a lot like the workplace version of Valentine’s Day. It’s great if you have a manager you love but what do you do if you don’t even like your boss?

Not a Fan of Your Boss? You’re Not Alone

Some of you are thinking “I really don’t like my boss and don’t exactly want to celebrate this day.” You’re not the only one that doesn’t feel like your boss deserves a national holiday dedicated to them. The 2013 State of the American Workplace report from Gallup showed that 70% of survey respondents either hated their jobs or were completely disengaged citing awful bosses as one of their biggest complaints.

The key to getting through Boss’ day or any other workday with a manager you don’t really like is to focus on the positives. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, so look for the strengths in your boss and let them know what you do appreciate about them. You never know, it could actually help change some things around the office. And if you can’t find any, use this opportunity as a chance to learn what not to do in your own career.

If you don’t like your boss, look at today as a chance to build a better relationship. Make an effort to really understand what makes your supervisor or manager tick. What could you be doing differently to help? Today is the day to start. That’s really the best gift you can give today.